Norwich University is replete with distinguished alumni, Cadets of valor who have achieved significant accomplishments, and Harold 'Doc' Martin stands squarely with all of them.

The Harold "Doc" Martin '20 Memorial Scholarship benefit dinner was held Feb. 9, in Washington D.C. at the National Press Club.  The scholarship was established in 2021 to honor the legacy of Norwich University's first Black graduate and Tuskegee Airman.  In preparation for the event, Athletic Director Ed Hockenbury worked with members of the athletic department to chronicle Doc's achievements.  It quickly became apparent that Doc's accomplishments were too numerous and too significant to be covered at one time.  Next week will be a celebration of Doc Martin's accomplishments by posting articles each day as we examine his time at Norwich, Cadet football career, professional career prior to World War II, his service during World War II as a part of the Tuskegee Airmen, and finally his lasting impact.

Doc Martin was a true renaissance man throughout his entire life, but especially while at Norwich.  A groundbreaking Cadet that shined in almost every endeavor he undertook, his many accomplishments almost seem impossible for one man to single-handedly do.  The Norwich University Athletic Hall of Fame member was a star football player, captain of the hockey team, played baseball, ran track, was a member of the student council, sang in the Glee Club, played in the Mandolin Club, was the athletic editor of the War Whoop, and all while studying electrical engineering. 

His entire life was a list of pioneering endeavors.  It almost seemed as though he was predestined to routinely break down barriers.  After graduating from Boston Latin School, he became the first Black Cadet in Norwich history but it would only be the beginning of a long line of firsts for Doc.  He is also the first Black athlete to play for the Cadets and, by all accounts, is the first Black athlete to ever play college hockey in the United States.  Doc is the oldest member of the Norwich Hall of Fame and one of two members of the class of 1920 to be represented so far.  

Miner Teachers College, now known as the University of the District of Columbia, published a eulogy entitled "Tribute to Our Coach" in the Varsity on April 25, 1945, which aptly encompasses the wide ranging and lasting impact he had on those around him.  It begins, "Sincere and eulogistic statements offered in the past few weeks attest to the valued work of Major Harold Douglas Martin, late instructor at the college.  The college community, athletics, public school physical education, camp life, church work, the war program – it is incredible that a man could make an honest contribution in so many fields of work."  
 
Harold Douglas "Doc" Martin.  April 14, 1899 – March 23, 1945.